Taylor Kelly Helping Arizona State as a Coach
Hey, Arizona State Sun Devils fans… Taylor Kelly is back! No, he’s not back to play, but he is back as an “offensive assistant” for Head Coach Todd Graham’s staff.
According to the AZ Central story, Kelly is expected to become a graduate assistant soon.
Kelly’s transition from the playing field to the sidelines came with a few stops along the way. Kelly went un-drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft after potentially having 7th-round value.
Kelly then got picked up by the Arizona Cardinals back in May as part of a try-out, but did not make the training camp roster.
Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Taylor Kelly (10) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Doug Haller, AZ Central, asked Kelly about his experience with the Cardinals
"“That was a great experience. The coaching staff there is unbelievable. They know what they’re doing, that’s why they’ve been so good the last few years.”"
Haller also asked Kelly about when he first realized that he wanted to coach…
"“Probably in high school. I love this game. I love watching film, finding new ways to hurt a defense. Even when I was playing, I would think of different things and bring them to Coach Norvell. It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do.”"
Kelly always had terrific offensive awareness and boasted a great football IQ so his switch to the coaching side of things does not surprise me one bit. Kelly is a fantastic speaker and as a three-year starter, he has definitely earned the respect of the quarterbacks he is helping out.
It’s also a great sign to me about Graham’s coaching style that former players want to come back and help out. I mean, having a potential top-10 team in the nation can do that for you after all.